abb is a global leader in power and automation technologies, providing a broad range of products and solutions to improve performance and reduce environmental impact for its customers. the abb group was formed in 1988 through a merger between asea ab and bbc brown boveri ag. their shares are now listed on the swiss stock exchange, stockholm stock exchange and the new york stock exchange. the consolidated financial statements are made in accordance with united states generally accepted accounting principles (u.s. gaap). the company creates revenues globally in 100 countries with around 140,000 employees, with the corporate headquarters located in zurich.